Kanimozhi alleges TVK MLA sent obscene messages to IAS officer, he denies

TVK MLA Arul Vignesh on Tuesday denied allegations raised by DMK MP Kanimozhi that he sent obscene WhatsApp messages to the Kallakurichi District Collector and harassed her, dismissing the claims as rumours and accusing her of playing “dirty politics”.Vignesh said he had done nothing wrong and questioned how he could have entered the Collector’s residence, which he said was guarded by security personnel and equipped with CCTV cameras.“Everyone came to know of the rumours. I am clearly saying that I have not done anything. Rumours are rumours. It is not true. MP (DMK MP Kanimozhi) alleged that I did this. The Collector’s bungalow has security guards and CCTV. How can I enter there?” said Vignesh, who represents Kallakurichi.He also said he was willing to undergo a test to establish that he had done nothing wrong, though he did not specify what kind of test. “Don’t do this dirty politics. We are here to serve people, not to answer such rumours,” he added. Vignesh alleged that the reports were part of a misinformation campaign by the DMK’s IT wing.WHAT DMK MP KANIMOZHI ALLEGEDVignesh’s response came after Kanimozhi raised the issue in a post on X on Monday, citing reports circulating on social media. She cited claims that he had sent obscene messages to Kallakurichi District Collector JE Padmaja, visited her residence while intoxicated and harassed her.“Reports are circulating on social media that TVK MLA Arul Vignesh sent obscene text messages to the District Collector of Kallakurichi, went to the collector’s home while drunk and harassed her, and that a dedicated security officer was subsequently assigned to the collector,” she wrote.TVK MINISTER ASSURES IMPARTIAL INQUIRYTamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan on Tuesday said the allegations would be investigated thoroughly and impartially, with formal proceedings to begin upon receipt of an official complaint.“Under our CM’s administration, if an allegation is levelled against anyone, a thorough investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken without partiality,” he told reporters.Rajmohan said the Vijay government had a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, regardless of the accused’s political affiliation or position. He added that strict legal action would follow if the allegations were substantiated.- Ends